Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Top 175 Forwards for 2026 Drafts

August 27, 2026

Andy's top 175 fantasy hockey forward rankings for 2026 fantasy drafts. These NHL forward rankings are for Yahoo rotisserie (category) leagues and include C, LW, and RW.

Hey RotoBallers! For the first time, RotoBaller will provide you with fantasy hockey content for the 2026-27 season.

Below, I give you my updated top-150 forward rankings designed for standard rotisserie Yahoo leagues. This format utilizes six skater categories (Goals, Assists, Power-Play Points, +/-, Shots on Goal, and Blocked Shots) and four goalie categories (Wins, Save Percentage, Goals Against Average, and Shutouts). In the rankings below, see high-end superstars like Kyle Connor and Jack Hughes stand out in our rankings, as well as mid-round sleepers like Anders Lee, Adrian Kempe, Alex DeBrincat, and more. These rankings will continue to be updated as we approach training camp.

Be sure to follow RotoBaller on X for all of our league-winning content and me @A_Smith_FS. Additionally, be sure to use discount code SMITH for 50% off any Premium Packages and gain access to our Team Sync platform with customized lineup tools, projections, and more based on your league settings. Also, check out our full updated top 250 rankings. Let's dive in!

2026 Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings: Top 175 Forwards

2026 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Draft Outlooks

Jack Roslovic, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jack Roslovic is looking forward to linking up with his new teammates. "A mixture of everything," Roslovic said about his decision to sign with the team during an appearance on TSN's OverDrive. "They've been a team that you could say didn't have their best year last year. But it's a team that's new, it's young, it's vibrant, it's ready to win. A couple of familiar faces around.

A really cool, really good style of hockey that's exciting, and I just wanted to be a part of it." Over the last three seasons, Roslovic has played for four NHL teams. He never seems to stick around for long but has been a solid contributor wherever he's been. If Roslovic stays injury-free, a 40-point campaign looks reachable for him in 2026-27.

Ilya Protas, C, Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals forward Ilya Protas is likely to have a full-time NHL role in the upcoming campaign, Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News reports. After showing off spectacular form in the AHL, Protas skated in his first NHL games late last season.

He notched one goal and three assists in four appearances. Protas' efforts included a three-point performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Protas is set to see more action in 2026-27, the Capitals have beefed up their frontline during the offseason, so there will be only limited ice time available for the talented Belarusian.

Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin could remain with the team at the start of the season, Ted Kuflan of The Detroit News reports. Larkin requested a trade at the start of the offseason, but the team hasn't found any suitable deals. A source told Kuflan that the organization expects Larkin to report to training camp if he isn't traded by then.

He would reportedly forfeit $8 million in salary if he doesn't appear in camp. From a fantasy perspective, it would likely be better if Larkin moved away from Motown, as unhappiness in Detroit could affect his performance.

Top 250 Player Rankings

Be sure to also check out our full updated top-250 rankings below.

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis